HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS

U-T profiles of notable local people

It would seem an unlikely résumé: an MBA at Harvard, working with multimillion-dollar companies like CVS and being San Diego’s biggest champion for the homeless.

But that’s how Herb Johnson’s C.V. reads. He’s the president and CEO of the San Diego Rescue Mission, and as the leader of the faith-based organization, he oversees everything from emergency shelters and transitional housing to recuperative centers and thrift stores.

After working for Fortune 100 companies in Boston, Johnson moved to San Diego in 1999 for a position at a health-care company. In his spare time, he volunteered at the Rescue Mission.

In 2006, the Kensington resident became the boss. Johnson explained how he’s able to mix compassion with business savvy to run this organization that exists entirely on donations.

Q: How has the homeless population changed, if at all, over the last several years?

A: In one respect it has grown younger with more families and children on the street due to the recession. We’re also seeing more veterans from the conflict in the Middle East and many Vietnam-era veterans. At the Rescue Mission we have witnessed an upward trend — 60 to 70 percent increase — of families in our emergency shelter each day.

Q: How has the change affected the Mission?

A: We are seeing more families and more children, and we’ve had to tailor our programs to service the large influx of these individuals into our programs.

Q: You have an executive business background — how do you relate to the people you help?

A: My executive business background positions me well to serve our community in the most effective way. In other words, to assure that our doors are always open to those in need, the San Diego Rescue Mission must adhere to traditional business practices based on the highest standards of ethics, accountability and transparency.

Q: Do you remember the first time you met or befriended a homeless person? How did that affect you?

A: My mother played a vital role in supporting shelters in the Boston area throughout my childhood and adolescence. I started volunteering early in my life and I have been actively engaged in service for more than 35 years. I have felt comfortable with the homeless population all my life because of my mother’s influence and the goodness she brought to those around her.

Q: What is something relatively simple that San Diegans can do to help the homeless?

A: Donate or volunteer. Become engaged in programs that help provide meals, lodging, counseling and support to homeless individuals. Giving of one’s self is God’s blessing.

Q: What role does faith play in the Rescue Mission?

A: Although the services we offer are nondenominational, we are a faith-based Christian organization affiliated with the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM).

Q: Seeing as you have an MBA from Harvard, do you have any suggestions about how to stop homelessness?

A: Ending homelessness has so many challenges; mental illness, addiction, the economy in general, women and elder abuse. Raising awareness is critical. On Sept. 21 and 22, the San Diego Rescue Mission will hold its seventh annual Sleepless America/San Diego event. We launched Sleepless America, in collaboration with other faith-based social service, to bring attention to the challenges of chronic homelessness and the ever-increasing number of people living on the streets of this wonderful city. This year, we expect that about 25 to 30 Rescue Missions across America will participate in Sleepless America. Engaging the public and private sectors to help support programs and services is essential. We depend on the kindness and generosity of the public to support our programs and services.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

A: I have an affection for hot rods and NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) drag racing. In my spare time I tinker with my 1937 Street Rod. It doesn’t run all the time. My father was a real mechanic, thank God I have other skills. I am blessed by (help from) friends from my club, the Over the Hill Gang.

Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.

A: Spending time with my wife, Carol, who also volunteers in tending to the needs of the homeless. We are both extremely active in our church, Christ United Presbyterian in South Park. Eating together, cooking together. I am a devoted fan of blues music.

Q: As a Boston native, will you ever root for the Padres?

A: I am a Padres fan, except, of course, when they’re playing the Red Sox. The same is true for football and the Chargers. (And) I am a lifelong Celtics fan!